Esther's Favorite Ginger Cookies

The result of my mother's efforts...

Ginger Cookies

2 1/4 Cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 Cup butter, softened

1 cup white sugar

1 egg

1 Tablespoon water

1/4 Cup molasses

2 Tablespoons white sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Sift together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the water and molasses. Gradually stir the sifted ingredients into the molasses mixture. Shape dough into walnut sized balls, and roll them in the remaining 2 Tablespoons of sugar. Place the cookies 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet and flatten slightly.

3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Before...

And after.

**Happy Birthday to Esther D**